We're going to Switzerland: when low prices, great weather, and a fairytale landscape
Switzerland is the perfect destination for both winter and summer adventures. You can ski down the mountains in winter and enjoy the beautiful scenery in summer. However, with such a variety of destinations, it's important to choose the right time for your vacation.
When to go to Switzerland if you're attracted to green meadows and have specific goals. Experts, representatives of some of the best hotels in the country, discuss this in an article for Travel and Leisure.
The best time to visit Switzerland for small groups
"Switzerland is like three different countries: strolling through city streets, enjoying rural tranquility, and exploring the majestic mountains," says Benjamin Richard, an experienced concierge at the Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne.
Visiting during the periods after the peak tourist seasons, in mid-spring and fall, offers the pleasure of pleasant weather and a calm atmosphere, providing guests with a unique opportunity to enjoy the country in solitude. He emphasizes that autumn in the French regions of Switzerland is not only a time of pleasant weather but also of grape harvesting, adding additional flavor and cultural experiences to the trip.
Best time to visit Switzerland for good weather
"Giuseppe Tocco, junior concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, recommends visiting Switzerland between late spring and early fall for the best experience of pleasant weather and long daylight hours.
"These months are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing," he notes. However, for skiing enthusiasts, the winter period, when the Alps are transformed into snowy landscapes, remains the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Switzerland for lower prices
Giuseppe Tocco recommends visiting the country during off-peak periods to avoid high prices. "Traveling to Switzerland can be expensive, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will break your budget," he says.
According to the expert, during this period, you can get additional bonuses, such as a free room upgrade, especially if the hotel is not fully booked.
The best time to visit Switzerland for skiing
From December to February, Switzerland showcases its ideal conditions for skiing enthusiasts in the Alps' most popular destinations. However, keep in mind that during the peak ski season, mountain resorts can become overcrowded.
According to experts, a Christmas morning in Zermatt, St. Moritz, or Gstaad can feel as crowded as a rush-hour subway in London or Paris. Therefore, it's better to plan trips during midweek, avoiding school vacations and holidays.
The worst time to visit Switzerland
There is no wrong time to visit Switzerland, as the choice depends on your preferences and interests. According to Tocco, the low season is an underrated time to explore cities and the countryside. On the other hand, summer in ski resorts offers off-season benefits.
However, he noted that some locations may have limited activities, accommodations, and restaurants with altered opening hours.
